Guess who's back

[joebob]

I had a successful catheter ablation 8 years ago for persistent afib.

I woke up this morning and it's back - unsure yet if it's paroxysmal or persistent, but I'm wondering what my options are.

Can you have a second ablation?

[Thomas45]

How long since your ablation? Have you checked the information for patients about ablations on the website. I've not had one but it seems usual for the heart to take time, months, to settle down. Many people appear to have more than one ablation. Hopefully someone can point you to the patients' help sheet.

[BobD Volunteer]

After eight years that must be annoying if it is AF. First stop is get it confirmed by ECG and then discuss your options with your medical team. Provided that you have no other problems a repeat ablation is always an option. I had three over four years before my AF was terminated 13 years ago.

[mjames1]

First thing you want do is confirm it's actually atrial fibrillation and not another arrhythmia. This is best done by having an ekg analyzed by an ep (electrophysiologist). This can be done at the doctors office, with a Holter device, or with a Home device like the Kardia or Apple Watch.

if you've been in afib less than seven, it's called "paroxysmal". After that, it's called "persistent".

Options? The less time you are an atrial fibrillation the better. So ideally if you cannot convert on your own or with medication's in a week or so, a electro cardioversion should be arranged as soon as possible.

If needed, second ablations are very common.

Jim

[Buffafly in reply to mjames1]

7 days

[Fullofheart]

I had three in one year. There are plenty of folk on here who have had more. Over time. Gutted for you that it's back after so much time in reprieve but...

8 years without af following ablation is an amazing result.

As long as you CAN have another one, I'd think there would be every hope that it could work again.

Time to find out exactly what is going on and talk options.

Best of luck.

[Ppiman]

A friend has had five or six, Bob. He's 76 and his AF has returned with AFl, but he's well enough! No more ablations for him, he's been told.

Steve

[joebob]

Thanks for all your replies. I went back to normal sinus rhythm, but heart was at 150+ for around 2 hours so left me feeling a little drained all day.

I have a Google Pixel watch so was able to take multiple ECG readings and have saved them in case GP wants a look, although I am booked in for a proper ECG at the doctors later today.

8 years ago after my ablation my surgeon said he fixed my Afib and my heart conveniently went into flutter while he was in there so he fixed that too. In February I had an episode of flutter while away skiing, but nothing since. So I guess I'm hoping that these are isolated episodes and that some lifestyle changes will keep them at bay, although I suspect they may both be returning!

[Sixtychick in reply to joebob]

That’s awful for you, after going 8 years without AFib. I had an ablation in September and was told it went well and the Doctor said he hopes it won’t return, but it just shows, you’ll never be certain. I bet you’ll be able to get another ablation. Good luck.

[GordonS]

I had a RF ablation in 2010 which kept me in sinus rhythm for 7 years. Then in 2018 I had a Cryo ablation which lasted only 4 years. I am currently in controlled permanent AF awaiting a 3rd ablation after a failed CV. I am taking Amiodarone and apart from the skin sensitivity I appear to have no symptoms. I was struggling taking Bisoprolol as well but kicked this into the long grass in March and my physical capacity is much better. HR rarely goes above 130 even on a good bike ride

[WildIris]

I had an episode of afib a couple of weeks ago, I think, after a couple of years without. (It sure felt like afib but I couldn't find the Kardia to double check.) Anyway, it can be upleasant to have an episode after thinking you're in the clear. I hope you can figure out what might have caused it- AFib itself can be a stressor, but stress can be a cause of afib too, hard to untangle. Or lifestyle stuff.